De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has nothing but respect for NCAA Season 98 champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran even as the Blazers fell short in their own bid for the title.
Benilde head coach Charles Tiu admitted he was disappointed with the way they ended the season, but still tipped his hat off to the Knights for a game well played as they copped their third straight title in the NCAA.
"Obviously, very disappointed with this game. To me, I really just wanted to win for these guys and the school because I see the work they put in and how good they are as players. I can’t ask for a better team," Tiu said following their 81-67 loss to Letran in Game 3 of the Finals on Sunday.
"Give credit to Letran. They played great. They showed why they were champions. They made the right adjustments. We just got beat, so I tip my hat off to them."
Benilde definitely has nothing to be ashamed of after a historic season. En route to their finals appearance, which was the first for the school since 2002, the Blazers ended the elimination round at the top of the standings with a 14-4 card.
They also pulled off an impressive conquest of powerhouse team San Beda University in the Final Four to set up a championship clash with Letran.
Although they fell short, Benilde team captain JC Cullar said they knew the team was special.
"I’m just proud to be here. I’m grateful to be a part of this program, to be a part of this team. What we did this year– we all knew from the beginning that this team was special," Cullar said.
"We fell short, but Letran deserved to win. Nothing but respect for them."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
